Code Simplification

Reduce complexity while preserving exact behavior. The goal is not fewer lines — it's code that is easier to read, understand, modify, and debug.

Quick Reference

When to apply	What to check	Key heuristic
After feature is done, tests pass	Implementation feels heavier than needed	"Would a new team member understand this faster?"
During code review	Readability or complexity flags	Each simplification must be a clear net improvement
When encountering deep nesting	Conditional complexity	Flatten with guard clauses, not by removing checks
When names are unclear	Variable, function, class names	A good name removes the need for a comment
After merging duplicated code	Logic repeated across files	Extract once, reference everywhere
When an abstraction seems unnecessary	Indirection that obscures the flow	YAGNI: remove it, re-add when needed

Use this skill when: